What is the life expectancy after a dementia diagnosis?

Ever since my father's diagnosis, I can't get a question out of my head, although I'm ashamed to ask it: how much time does he have left? I need to know to prepare myself, but I'm afraid of the answer.

Don't be ashamed of this question. Wanting to know isn't coldness; it's a way to prepare yourself and make the most of the time you have. Even so, it's important to know that there isn't a precise number.

Why it happens

Life expectancy after diagnosis varies greatly from person to person. It depends on the type of dementia, age, general health, other illnesses, and the stage at which it was diagnosed. Therefore, any number you hear is just an average that may not apply to your father.

Practical strategies

• Speak to the neurologist or GP, who knows the specific case, instead of looking for numbers online.
• Use the present time to arrange advance directives, legal matters, and the person's wishes while they can still participate.
• Focus on quality of life and good moments, not just counting.
• Gather health records to support future decisions.

What NOT to do

• Do not treat timelines as certainties; many people live longer than predicted.
• Do not let the question prevent you from living in the present with your father.

When to seek professional help

If this anguish is paralysing you, seek psychological support through your GP, Alzheimer's Society, or NHS 111. In advanced stages, palliative care can help ensure comfort.

"I spent months obsessed with how much time was left. When I let that go, I realised we still had a lot of life to share." — Anonymous Carer